Draft day is finally here and everyone is talking their final guesses on who they think their favorite team will draft. The New York Giants have been mocked taking nearly everyone, from Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith to Jaycee Horn and Rashawn Slater. Nobody outside of the Giants know who they will take at #11. We don’t even know if they will end up picking at #11. A couple of weeks ago I gave my first mock draft but a few things have shifted since then. This has led me to wanting to do one last mock for the Giants. So here it is, my final Giants mock for the 2021 draft.
New York Giants 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 11: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
He might not be the biggest receiver, but it doesn’t matter. The guy can ball. DeVonta Smith said it himself, “We’re not bodybuilders. It’s football.” Heisman winner, Maxell Award winner, Biletnikoff winner and a National Champion. The accolades speak for themselves. And he accomplished all of this in a strong SEC. So, why won’t he dominate in the NFL as well? While the Giants added Kenny Golladay to this roster, they can go out and give Daniel Jones another weapon. An offense consisting of Saquon Barkely, Golladay, Darius Slayton and Smith could be absolutely electric. The man is a baller and this should be a simple pick.
Round 2, Pick 42: Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama
A torn ACL in the SEC championship game could lead to Dickerson dropping out of the first round and right into the Giants lap at pick 42. Even with an extensive injury history, which might scare some teams away, he is still seen as the best interior lineman in this class. Coming in at nearly 6-6, he would bring both size and flexibility to this o-line. Projected at either guard or center but because of his size could also play tackle if necessary. His grittiness would bring a flare to this o-line that hasn’t been there in some time. Fortifying this o-line should be a main priority for the Giants and this will be a big addition.
Round 3, Pick 76: Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
An expected, rush on linebackers in the first two rounds may mean that Jabril Cox will get taken sooner but if he is there at 76, the Giants should go after him. Cox’s athleticism and ability to make tackles would make him a good pairing next to Blake Martinez. While he does struggle in the run game that can be improved over time. After coming into college as a quarterback, he is able to understand offenses at a deep level and know what is coming. His nine collegiate interceptions is also a plus and could lead to some extra turnovers on this already strong defense.
Round 4, Pick 116: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
It has been reported that the Giants have been looking into running backs in the middle rounds and Trey Sermon could be that one. With Saquon coming off a torn ACL, the Giants may want to add even more depth. While they signed Devontae Booker in free agency, Sermon may have more upside. It has been noted the Saquon has struggled with pass blocking and this is something that Sermon excelled in during his time at Ohio State. His 6.5 yards per carry is also worth noting as he has proven to be a capable runner that can get to the second level.
Round 6, Pick 196: Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pitt
The departure of Dalvin Tomlinson has left a gap at defensive tackle for the Giants. The signing of Danny Shelton to a one-year deal will help but that is no long term fix. Taking Jaylen Twyman could be a long term solution. While he opted out this past season, his performance in 2019 was strong. The first defensive tackle to lead Pitt in sacks since Aaron Donald, the Giants might get a special player here that can help enforce a line led by Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence.
Round 6, Pick 201: Jonathon Cooper, Edge, Ohio State
The Giants go after defense one last time with their last pick. Jonathon Cooper is more of a raw talent but has a high motor and would be a good rotational player for the defensive line. With proper coaching and refinements to his technique, Cooper could eventually be an every down player in the NFL. Cooper would benefit heavily from learning behind someone like Leonard Williams who has quickly turned into one of the better edge rushers in the NFL. The recent performance of Ohio State edge rushers in the NFL also makes this pick even more intriguing.
